May be a dumb question, but I noticed my brake fluid was low today (brakes slowly lost their stopping power over the past few days). Going to pick up some more tonight. Any special type I need? Thanks

 

Dot 3 or 4....... Dot 5 is synthetic....Stay away.... Will not mix....

 

So 3 and 4 can mix okay?

 

Yes, dot 4 just has a higher boiling point....

 

You can use a DOT 3 or 4 synthetic such as Valvolene Synthetic. It will work just fine. It boils at 500ºF and really is much improved over the non synthetics.

 

Bleed your brakes and flush them with the new fluid.

 

I second that. I'm also a fan of Valoline Synthetic. It's cheap and has a high boiling point 500F.

 

Check your pads. Without a leak you should not add fluid, ever. The pads are probably worn out and the fluid is taking up the extra space that the pad made by being closer to the rotors.

 

503°F dry and 343°F wet. IMO wet is more important since most people don't change their brake fluid very often. Plus most come in the plastic containers that allows a certain amount of moisture in.
The Valvoline is still more than adequate for most people and readily available.

I'm running ATE Superblue. 536°F dry 392°F wet. Its not expensive, but not as readily available. Does come in a metal can which keeps it fresh. Plus with the blue color it was easy to tell when the old fluid was totally flushed.